We recently stayed four nights at Mountain Lodge Telluride. There is a lot to like about this…read moreproperty, but unfortunately, the valet situation and several other service issues significantly affected our stay.
CONS
AVOID THE VALET!!!
My vehicle was moved several times during our short four-night stay despite my specifically requesting that it not be driven, and we received conflicting information from staff about the hotel's valet policies.
9/24, noon: I accepted a valet parking spot next to the main entrance. Valet "N" told me that my 2026 Honda Passport SUV could remain there for the duration of our four-day stay. I specifically told him that I did not want anyone driving the vehicle, and he confirmed this.
9/24, approximately 2:00 p.m.: After returning from lunch, I discovered that my vehicle had been moved to another parking space.
9/24, approximately 4:30 p.m.: I then discovered that my vehicle had been moved yet again, this time to a location unknown to me. I spoke with valet "A," who explained that they had to move it. I was then told that my brand new $56,000 vehicle was not considered "high-end" enough to remain parked near the main entrance because of company policy.
Valet "A" subsequently told me he would keep the vehicle in the front parking spot for the remainder of our stay. I thanked him and gave him a $40 cash tip.
9/25, morning: My SUV had once again been moved to an unknown location.
Management also told me that unless a vehicle is valued at approximately $76,000 or more, it is considered non-luxury and cannot remain parked near the main entrance, which I was told is a policy established by the GM.
Even more concerning, an employee told me that valet staff may occasionally use a guest's vehicle to drive between the Lodge and the Market Station garage, with which the Lodge partners, rather than walk over while retrieving another guest's valeted vehicle. If accurate, I find that completely unacceptable.
If I ever stay here again, I will absolutely avoid the valet and park my own vehicle at the public Market Station gondola garage.
Restaurant and bar closed for private event
During one night of our stay, the entire restaurant and bar were closed for a private event--a wedding rehearsal dinner. This was not disclosed when we booked our stay.
When I questioned upper management, I was told that the closure resulted from a last-minute decision due to an emergency. However, two staff members separately told me that events of this type normally require a minimum of five months to reserve. At the very least, the explanations we received were inconsistent.
Poor sound insulation between rooms
Our junior suite had a locked interior connecting door to the adjoining room. Unfortunately, the door provided very little sound insulation, and we could easily hear our neighbors.
Refrigerator maintenance problem
The refrigerator in our suite was running at or above 40°F and displayed a "Vacuum Condenser" warning.
I notified the front desk, and staff took notes. The following day, maintenance left a note stating that the fan had been checked. Unfortunately, that did not correct the problem.
I subsequently emailed the manager but never received a reply. Maintenance did call me the next day to ask about the refrigerator temperature, and I explained that it was still too warm for me to safely store our food. I ultimately threw away a large, newly purchased salad from the restaurant.
I also looked at the condenser and found it heavily covered with dust and lint--approximately 50% obstructed. It appeared to be badly overdue for cleaning. See photo.
Other issues
At breakfast on 9/25, they were out of orange juice. Not a major issue by itself, but surprising for a property at this level.
My to-go burger order was also incorrect; I initially received someone else's order. Staff corrected the mistake promptly, but although I had specifically ordered my burger well-done, the replacement was medium-rare.
PROS
There were several things we genuinely enjoyed.
The restaurant and bar staff were very friendly and professional, and the food was creative and delicious. The Village Omelet at breakfast was outstanding.
The Lodge itself is stunning, and our junior suite was large, beautiful, and exceeded our expectations. It was located just a short walk down the driveway from the main lodge.
The location is also excellent.
Finally, Santiago in valet deserves special recognition. He was a total professional and stood out as an excellent employee.
BOTTOM LINE
Mountain Lodge Telluride is a beautiful property with excellent food, an impressive setting, and some very good employees. Unfortunately, the repeated movement of my vehicle after I had specifically requested that it not be driven, along with conflicting explanations about valet policies, overshadowed much of the experience.
For a property at this level, I expect clear and consistent policies, accurate communication.
